The transfer window is officially open and work will be going on behind the scenes as Everton plot a way to avoid a third successive relegation battle.
So much of the focus at Everton is on what's going on off the pitch. Just who will make-up the new-look board after this week's announcement that three of its four members have left? And just when will the long-rumoured investment from MSP Sports Capital come to fruition?
It's against the backdrop that manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell must begin the process of remoulding a squad that for the past two years, has gone close to dropping down into the Championship.
But what would represent an ideal window this summer? Two of our writers, starting with the ECHO's Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas, have their say...
READ MORE: Everton have just shot themselves in the foot when there was absolutely no need
READ MORE: Everton have free transfer chance to sign player they wanted in 2021
Joe Thomas - Go back in for Armando Broja
Goals, goals, goals. And full-backs. Everton’s main priority this summer is the one they failed to address last summer and then again in January. It was roughly 12 months ago that Richarlison was sold to Tottenham Hotspur and ever since the Blues have been under-resourced when it has come to forwards. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is excellent when he is fit, but after two injury-blighted seasons the Blues cannot gamble on him avoiding misfortune next year. Having alternative options would also reduce pressure on him.
I think Everton need two strikers, both of whom need to be capable of genuinely challenging for a starting place. Funds are tight but options are available. Armando Broja is a player I really hoped Frank Lampard could coax to Goodison Park last season. That did not happen and the forward has since suffered a serious injury, but with Chelsea looking to offload players and him looking to rebuild his career, maybe there could be an opportunity that suits both teams.
I would also be interested in looking at Leicester City and trying to understand the availability of Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho - different types of forwards but both would strengthen Everton, and Leicester may be open to a deal. If they can find some funds from somewhere then one of those forwards and Broja on loan would be really interesting.
Full-back cover is also crucial - Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman, assuming he re-signs - are two great options at right-back but both have struggled with injury. At left-back, cover and competition for Vitalii Mykolenko is also key. Again, a solution could be found at a relegated club - Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters are both versatile options at Southampton and can play on both sides of the defence.
If two forwards and full-back cover could be found then the one further addition I would be really keen to see is a playmaking central midfielder. It is hard to see Everton’s budget extending that far. At Manchester City, Cole Palmer looks set to be allowed to leave on loan and he could be worth enquiring about.
Much of this ambition requires having some money to spend and this may be the problem for Everton. What adds to the concern is that should either of the club’s most saleable assets - Amadou Onana and Jordan Pickford - need to be sold to fund desperately needed improvements elsewhere, their exits would also leave gaps that would need filling.
Alice Nicholson - Tammy Abraham would have been perfect
Everton are wasting time bringing in crucial signings to avoid a third successive relegation battle, with the Bill Kenwright drama seemingly taking priority at the club over new recruits.
Sean Dyche’s side need to make changes quickly if they are to avoid the bottom three spots of the table. With desperate need for attacking power, Moussa Dembele, Brennan Johnson, Alfredo Morelos, Wout Weghorst and Viktor Gyokeres could well be the players to choose between.
But with the Blues in a tight financial spot, choosing and spending wisely has never been more important.
Amadou Onana may be sacrificed for the greater good in order to re-build the team and it would also mean not having to sell another vital player in Jordan Pickford, who is said to being eyed up by Manchester United.
Key additions will also be needed to defence with Yerry Mina departing, and the club opting not to permanently sign Connor Coady. It seems the best option would be to bring back Jarrad Branthwaite after his impressive season long-loan at PSV Eindhoven.
Tammy Abraham sounded ideal but with his late injury at Roma last season the last thing Everton need is another striker with fitness concerns given Dominic Calvert-Lewin's struggles.
READ NEXT:
